‎FG Intervenes as NUPENG, Dangote Clash Threaten Strike Action

The Federal Government has stepped in to address the growing clash between the Dangote Group and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), calling both parties to an emergency meeting in Abuja today.

The intervention by Labour and Employment Minister, Muhammadu Dingyadi, comes as NUPENG threatens a nationwide strike already endorsed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

The union accuses the Dangote Group of unfair labour practices, monopolistic control, and poor working conditions. It claims the refinery pays some of the lowest wages in the oil and gas sector and recently introduced a policy preventing drivers from joining oil unions — a move the union says violates Nigeria’s Constitution, Labour Act, and global labour conventions.

“This is a dangerous path to fascism in industrial relations, where workers are treated as slaves without voice or dignity,” NUPENG warned in a statement.

Although union leaders have agreed to attend today’s meeting, they insist the strike will continue until all grievances are addressed.

At the heart of the conflict is the creation of the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA), which NUPENG dismissed as a “management-inspired fraud” allegedly backed by Dangote and linked to MRS Energy Limited. The union believes the association was designed to weaken its influence and divide workers.

Backing NUPENG, NLC President Joe Ajaero accused Dangote of attempting to undermine the entire labour movement.

“An attack on one union is an attack on all. If this succeeds, no worker or industry in Nigeria will be safe. It will set a precedent that capital is above the law,” Ajaero warned.

The NLC has ordered nationwide mobilisation of its 54 affiliates and 36 state councils, preparing for solidarity action. Already, fuel queues are reappearing, and black-market prices are climbing as fears of a supply disruption spread. Economists caution that a prolonged strike could paralyse transport, power, and manufacturing, worsening inflation and economic hardship.

In Edo State, the labour congress has pledged full support, urging residents to stock up on fuel before stations shut down.

“The Edo council will mobilise all affiliates in solidarity. We advise workers and the public to secure enough petroleum products that will last during this strike,” it announced.

All eyes are now on today’s Abuja meeting, which will determine whether the strike is suspended or escalates into a nationwide shutdown.